EP3268652B1 - Verfahren zum verbinden von rohren und vorrichtung zur erleichterung desselben - Google Patents

Verfahren zum verbinden von rohren und vorrichtung zur erleichterung desselben

Info

Publication number
EP3268652B1
EP3268652B1 EP16762354.5A EP16762354A EP3268652B1 EP 3268652 B1 EP3268652 B1 EP 3268652B1 EP 16762354 A EP16762354 A EP 16762354A EP 3268652 B1 EP3268652 B1 EP 3268652B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
pipe
distal end
exterior surface
plate
negative pressure
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP16762354.5A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3268652A4 (de
EP3268652C0 (de
EP3268652A1 (de
Inventor
Robert J. Morrow
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP3268652A1 publication Critical patent/EP3268652A1/de
Publication of EP3268652A4 publication Critical patent/EP3268652A4/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3268652C0 publication Critical patent/EP3268652C0/de
Publication of EP3268652B1 publication Critical patent/EP3268652B1/de
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L47/00—Connecting arrangements or other fittings specially adapted to be made of plastics or to be used with pipes made of plastics
    • F16L47/26—Connecting arrangements or other fittings specially adapted to be made of plastics or to be used with pipes made of plastics for branching pipes; for joining pipes to walls; Adaptors therefor
    • F16L47/32—Branch units, e.g. made in one piece, welded, riveted
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B23—MACHINE TOOLS; METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B23K—SOLDERING OR UNSOLDERING; WELDING; CLADDING OR PLATING BY SOLDERING OR WELDING; CUTTING BY APPLYING HEAT LOCALLY, e.g. FLAME CUTTING; WORKING BY LASER BEAM
    • B23K1/00—Soldering, e.g. brazing, or unsoldering
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C65/02—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
    • B29C65/18—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated tools
    • B29C65/20—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated tools with direct contact, e.g. using "mirror"
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C65/78—Means for handling the parts to be joined, e.g. for making containers or hollow articles, e.g. means for handling sheets, plates, web-like materials, tubular articles, hollow articles or elements to be joined therewith; Means for discharging the joined articles from the joining apparatus
    • B29C65/7841—Holding or clamping means for handling purposes
    • B29C65/7847—Holding or clamping means for handling purposes using vacuum to hold at least one of the parts to be joined
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
    • B29C66/02—Preparation of the material, in the area to be joined, prior to joining or welding
    • B29C66/024—Thermal pre-treatments
    • B29C66/0244—Cooling
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
    • B29C66/05—Particular design of joint configurations
    • B29C66/10—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint cross-sections
    • B29C66/11—Joint cross-sections comprising a single joint-segment, i.e. one of the parts to be joined comprising a single joint-segment in the joint cross-section
    • B29C66/114—Single butt joints
    • B29C66/1142—Single butt to butt joints
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
    • B29C66/05—Particular design of joint configurations
    • B29C66/10—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint cross-sections
    • B29C66/13—Single flanged joints; Fin-type joints; Single hem joints; Edge joints; Interpenetrating fingered joints; Other specific particular designs of joint cross-sections not provided for in groups B29C66/11 - B29C66/12
    • B29C66/131—Single flanged joints, i.e. one of the parts to be joined being rigid and flanged in the joint area
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
    • B29C66/05—Particular design of joint configurations
    • B29C66/301—Three-dimensional joints, i.e. the joined area being substantially non-flat
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
    • B29C66/342—Preventing air-inclusions
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
    • B29C66/347—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined using particular temperature distributions or gradients; using particular heat distributions or gradients
    • B29C66/3474—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined using particular temperature distributions or gradients; using particular heat distributions or gradients perpendicular to the plane of the joint
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
    • B29C66/348—Avoiding melting or weakening of the zone directly next to the joint area, e.g. by cooling
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/50—General aspects of joining tubular articles; General aspects of joining long products, i.e. bars or profiled elements; General aspects of joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; General aspects of joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
    • B29C66/51—Joining tubular articles, profiled elements or bars; Joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; Joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
    • B29C66/52—Joining tubular articles, bars or profiled elements
    • B29C66/522—Joining tubular articles
    • B29C66/5221—Joining tubular articles for forming coaxial connections, i.e. the tubular articles to be joined forming a zero angle relative to each other
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/50—General aspects of joining tubular articles; General aspects of joining long products, i.e. bars or profiled elements; General aspects of joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; General aspects of joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
    • B29C66/51—Joining tubular articles, profiled elements or bars; Joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; Joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
    • B29C66/52—Joining tubular articles, bars or profiled elements
    • B29C66/522—Joining tubular articles
    • B29C66/5224—Joining tubular articles for forming fork-shaped connections, e.g. for making Y-shaped pieces
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/70—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material
    • B29C66/71—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the composition of the plastics material of the parts to be joined
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/70—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material
    • B29C66/73—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset
    • B29C66/739—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset characterised by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset
    • B29C66/7392—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset characterised by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset characterised by the material of at least one of the parts being a thermoplastic
    • B29C66/73921—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset characterised by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset characterised by the material of at least one of the parts being a thermoplastic characterised by the materials of both parts being thermoplastics
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
    • B29C66/81—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps
    • B29C66/814—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the design of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps
    • B29C66/8141—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the design of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the surface geometry of the part of the pressing elements, e.g. welding jaws or clamps, coming into contact with the parts to be joined
    • B29C66/81411—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the design of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the surface geometry of the part of the pressing elements, e.g. welding jaws or clamps, coming into contact with the parts to be joined characterised by its cross-section, e.g. transversal or longitudinal, being non-flat
    • B29C66/81421—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the design of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the surface geometry of the part of the pressing elements, e.g. welding jaws or clamps, coming into contact with the parts to be joined characterised by its cross-section, e.g. transversal or longitudinal, being non-flat being convex or concave
    • B29C66/81422—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the design of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the surface geometry of the part of the pressing elements, e.g. welding jaws or clamps, coming into contact with the parts to be joined characterised by its cross-section, e.g. transversal or longitudinal, being non-flat being convex or concave being convex
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
    • B29C66/81—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps
    • B29C66/814—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the design of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps
    • B29C66/8141—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the design of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the surface geometry of the part of the pressing elements, e.g. welding jaws or clamps, coming into contact with the parts to be joined
    • B29C66/81411—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the design of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the surface geometry of the part of the pressing elements, e.g. welding jaws or clamps, coming into contact with the parts to be joined characterised by its cross-section, e.g. transversal or longitudinal, being non-flat
    • B29C66/81421—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the design of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the surface geometry of the part of the pressing elements, e.g. welding jaws or clamps, coming into contact with the parts to be joined characterised by its cross-section, e.g. transversal or longitudinal, being non-flat being convex or concave
    • B29C66/81423—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the design of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the surface geometry of the part of the pressing elements, e.g. welding jaws or clamps, coming into contact with the parts to be joined characterised by its cross-section, e.g. transversal or longitudinal, being non-flat being convex or concave being concave
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
    • B29C66/81—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps
    • B29C66/818—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the cooling constructional aspects, or by the thermal or electrical insulating or conducting constructional aspects of the welding jaws or of the clamps ; comprising means for compensating for the thermal expansion of the welding jaws or of the clamps
    • B29C66/8181—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the cooling constructional aspects, or by the thermal or electrical insulating or conducting constructional aspects of the welding jaws or of the clamps ; comprising means for compensating for the thermal expansion of the welding jaws or of the clamps characterised by the cooling constructional aspects
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
    • B29C66/82—Pressure application arrangements, e.g. transmission or actuating mechanisms for joining tools or clamps
    • B29C66/826—Pressure application arrangements, e.g. transmission or actuating mechanisms for joining tools or clamps without using a separate pressure application tool, e.g. the own weight of the parts to be joined
    • B29C66/8266—Pressure application arrangements, e.g. transmission or actuating mechanisms for joining tools or clamps without using a separate pressure application tool, e.g. the own weight of the parts to be joined using fluid pressure directly acting on the parts to be joined
    • B29C66/82661—Pressure application arrangements, e.g. transmission or actuating mechanisms for joining tools or clamps without using a separate pressure application tool, e.g. the own weight of the parts to be joined using fluid pressure directly acting on the parts to be joined by means of vacuum
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
    • B29C66/84—Specific machine types or machines suitable for specific applications
    • B29C66/861—Hand-held tools
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/90—Measuring or controlling the joining process
    • B29C66/91—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux
    • B29C66/914—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux
    • B29C66/9141—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature
    • B29C66/91411—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature of the parts to be joined, e.g. the joining process taking the temperature of the parts to be joined into account
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/90—Measuring or controlling the joining process
    • B29C66/91—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux
    • B29C66/919—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux characterised by specific temperature, heat or thermal flux values or ranges
    • B29C66/9192—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux characterised by specific temperature, heat or thermal flux values or ranges in explicit relation to another variable, e.g. temperature diagrams
    • B29C66/91921—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux characterised by specific temperature, heat or thermal flux values or ranges in explicit relation to another variable, e.g. temperature diagrams in explicit relation to another temperature, e.g. to the softening temperature or softening point, to the thermal degradation temperature or to the ambient temperature
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29D—PRODUCING PARTICULAR ARTICLES FROM PLASTICS OR FROM SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE
    • B29D23/00—Producing tubular articles
    • B29D23/001—Pipes; Pipe joints
    • B29D23/003—Pipe joints, e.g. straight joints
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L41/00—Branching pipes; Joining pipes to walls
    • F16L41/02—Branch units, e.g. made in one piece, welded, riveted
    • F16L41/023—Y- pieces
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L47/00—Connecting arrangements or other fittings specially adapted to be made of plastics or to be used with pipes made of plastics
    • F16L47/02—Welded joints; Adhesive joints
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L47/00—Connecting arrangements or other fittings specially adapted to be made of plastics or to be used with pipes made of plastics
    • F16L47/26—Connecting arrangements or other fittings specially adapted to be made of plastics or to be used with pipes made of plastics for branching pipes; for joining pipes to walls; Adaptors therefor
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C2793/00—Shaping techniques involving a cutting or machining operation
    • B29C2793/0009—Cutting out
    • B29C2793/0018—Cutting out for making a hole
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C2793/00—Shaping techniques involving a cutting or machining operation
    • B29C2793/0081—Shaping techniques involving a cutting or machining operation before shaping
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
    • B29C66/02—Preparation of the material, in the area to be joined, prior to joining or welding
    • B29C66/022—Mechanical pre-treatments, e.g. reshaping
    • B29C66/0224—Mechanical pre-treatments, e.g. reshaping with removal of material
    • B29C66/02241—Cutting, e.g. by using waterjets, or sawing
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
    • B29C66/81—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps
    • B29C66/814—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the design of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps
    • B29C66/8141—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the design of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the surface geometry of the part of the pressing elements, e.g. welding jaws or clamps, coming into contact with the parts to be joined
    • B29C66/81431—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the design of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the surface geometry of the part of the pressing elements, e.g. welding jaws or clamps, coming into contact with the parts to be joined comprising a single cavity, e.g. a groove
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
    • B29C66/82—Pressure application arrangements, e.g. transmission or actuating mechanisms for joining tools or clamps
    • B29C66/824—Actuating mechanisms
    • B29C66/8242—Pneumatic or hydraulic drives
    • B29C66/82423—Pneumatic or hydraulic drives using vacuum
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
    • B29C66/83—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof characterised by the movement of the joining or pressing tools
    • B29C66/832—Reciprocating joining or pressing tools
    • B29C66/8322—Joining or pressing tools reciprocating along one axis
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
    • B29K2023/00—Use of polyalkenes or derivatives thereof as moulding material
    • B29K2023/04—Polymers of ethylene
    • B29K2023/06—PE, i.e. polyethylene
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
    • B29K2023/00—Use of polyalkenes or derivatives thereof as moulding material
    • B29K2023/10—Polymers of propylene
    • B29K2023/12—PP, i.e. polypropylene
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
    • B29K2027/00—Use of polyvinylhalogenides or derivatives thereof as moulding material
    • B29K2027/06—PVC, i.e. polyvinylchloride
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
    • B29L2031/00—Other particular articles
    • B29L2031/24—Pipe joints or couplings

Definitions

  • Plastic piping is installed underground and/or above ground to transport liquid, air, gas, waste, etc. to or from home or business.
  • These pipes have a need for many connection branches which may need to be installed in a variation of sizes and angles. Whether the branch is tapping onto an existing line or a newly installed pipe, there is a common need to be able to install these connections within a confined space (excavation, vault, etc).
  • branch connections at variable angles to influence the performance of the piping system or to limit the complexity of the connection.
  • CH400547A describes a method for mirror welding thermoplastic pipes and fittings using atmospheric pressure. Atmospheric pressure is used for the compression of melted surfaces.
  • NL1007746 describes a mirror welding process for joining together thermoplastic material pipe sections, end to end.
  • each connector end of the pipe is heated to a temperature at least equal to the processing temperature of the thermoplastic material using a mirror welding machine having two heating plates.
  • These softened connector ends of the two pipe sections are pressed together to form a bond and the bond region is cooled.
  • An air-tight seal is formed by pressing a closure part against the opposite end of the pipe section to the heating plate forming a sealed cavity and then applying an under pressure inside the cavity to assist clamping of the pipe section against the heating plate.
  • the apparatus may include a plate for melting mating surfaces of first and second pipes, or in other words, raising its temperature above its softening temperature.
  • the apparatus may also include a cap with a vacuum for generating a negative pressure within the first and/or second pipes to push the first and second pipes together and also to hold the first and second pipes against the plate.
  • the mating surfaces on the first and second pipes are initially melted. Once the mating surfaces have reached its softening temperature, the plate is removed from between the first and second pipes.
  • the mating surfaces are connected to each other (i.e., placed in contact with each other).
  • the cap is placed over one of the first and second pipes and the vacuum activated in order to create a negative pressure within the pipe.
  • the negative pressure pushes the first and second pipes towards each other.
  • the operator allows the first and second pipes to settle upon each other. This means that the angle between the first and second pipes may be slightly different from the intended angle in order that the pressure between the first and second pipes can be equalized about a periphery of the distal end of the first pipe. This creates an especially strong joint.
  • the user need not apply hand pressure which could be inconsistent as well as awkward when the first and second pipes are skewed to each other or when the first and second pipes are joined to each other end to end at a skewed angle.
  • a method of forming a liquid tight seal between a distal end of a first pipe and a second pipe may comprise the steps of heating the distal end of the first pipe and the second pipe with a heater until the distal end(s) of the first pipe and the second pipe have reached a softening temperature; contacting the distal end of the first pipe to the second pipe; creating a negative pressure within a cavity of the first pipe after the contacting step so that the distal end of the first pipe is pushed into the second pipe; and applying even pressure about the circumference of the distal end of the first pipe onto the second pipe.
  • the heating step may be performed until at least 3.175mm (1/8 inch) and more preferably 12.7mm (1 ⁇ 2 inch) (depending on the size and type of material) of the distal end of the first pipe has reached the softening temperature of a material of the pipe.
  • the heating step may be performed with a plate having opposed first and second sides sized and configured to mate with the distal end of the first pipe and the exterior surface or distal end of the second pipe.
  • the first side may have a convex configuration.
  • the second side may have a concave configuration.
  • the first and second sides may be flat.
  • the method may further comprise the step of forming a vacuum with an edge of a cup to the exterior surface of the second pipe.
  • the forming the vacuum step may include the step of capping an opposed distal end of the first pipe with a cap which is in fluid communication with a vacuum device for creating negative pressure.
  • the applying step may include the step of allowing an angular relationship between the first pipe and the second pipe to change as negative pressure is applied to the cavity of the first pipe, and the distal end of the first pipe is pushed into the second pipe.
  • the method may further comprise the step of creating the negative pressure within the cavity of the first pipe during the heating step so that the negative pressure created in the cavity of the first pipe is sufficient to hold the first side of the plate of the heater onto the distal end of the first pipe.
  • the plate of the heater may have a through hole so that the negative pressure created in the cavity of the first pipe is applied between the plate and the second pipe to hold the plate onto the second pipe.
  • the through hole may also have a fitting that can be connected to a hose or line that provides negative pressure to the space between the plate and the second pipe to hold the plate onto the second pipe initially while raising the temperature of the second pipe to its softening temperature. This may be accomplished without the first pipe attached to the heater/plate.
  • the vacuum line is removed from the fitting and the first pipe is placed on the heater/plate. Vacuum is established in the cavity of the first pipe and the vacuum is communicated to the space between the plate and the second pipe through the through hole or fitting so that the heater can continue to raise a depth of the surfaces of the first and second pipes to its softening temperature.
  • the cap may be sized and configured to provide a seal with an opposed distal end of the first pipe.
  • the vacuum may be operative to create a negative pressure.
  • the vacuum may be in fluid communication with the cap to create negative pressure within a cavity of the first pipe when the cap is mounted to the opposed distal end of the first pipe to hold the first pipe to the heater when heating (i.e., melting) the distal end of the first pipe and also to hold the distal end against the exterior surface of the second pipe when attaching the distal end of the first pipe to the second pipe.
  • the first side of the plate may have a convex configuration sized and be configured to mate with the distal end of the first pipe.
  • the second side of the plate may have a concave configuration sized and configured to mate with an exterior surface of the second pipe.
  • the plate may also have a cup disposed in the second side.
  • An edge of the cup may be sized and configured to contact the exterior surface of the second pipe before the concave configured second side of the plate to more quickly form a seal to create a negative pressure between the second side of the plate and the exterior surface of the second pipe.
  • the seal may be established by contact with a gasket or softening plastic cup or ring.
  • first side of the plate may be flat and be sized and configured to mate with the distal end of the first pipe.
  • the second side of the plate may be flat and be sized and configured to mate with a distal end of the second pipe.
  • a method for expediting fusion of a distal end of a first pipe to a contact surface of a second pipe may comprise the steps of cooling a distal end portion of the first pipe and/or a contact patch portion of the second pipe below its normal temperature; heating the distal end of the first pipe and/or the contact surface of the second pipe so that a portion less than the distal end portion and/or less than the contact patch portion of the second pipe is heated to a softening temperature of a material of the first pipe and/or second pipe; pushing the distal end of the first pipe onto the contact surface of the second pipe; and directing heat away from the distal end of the first pipe and/or the contact patch of the second pipe since less than the distal end portion of the first pipe and/or less than the contact patch portion of the second pipe was heated and the entire distal end portion of the first pipe and the entire contact patch portion was cooled below its normal temperature.
  • the contact patch may be a distal end of the second pipe.
  • the contact patch may be an exterior surface of the second pipe.
  • a method and apparatus for joining a branch pipe 10 to a main pipe 12 at a skewed angle 14 so that gas, fluid and other solid materials can flow through the branch pipe 10 in the direction of arrow 16 to flow with gas, fluid and other solid material through the main pipe 12 in the direction of arrow 18.
  • a connection between a distal end 22 of the branch pipe 10 and an exterior surface 24 of the main pipe 12 is referred to as a joint 20.
  • the distal end 22 of the branch pipe 10 and the mating portion of the exterior surface 24 of the main pipe 12 are heated to a softening temperature then pushed together to form a chemical bond and join the branch pipe 10 to the main pipe 12.
  • the periphery of the distal end 22 when pushed into the exterior surface 24 applies a consistent pressure to the exterior surface 24 of the main pipe 12 to create a strong connection between the distal end 22 of the branch pipe 10 and the mating portion of the exterior surface 24 of the main pipe 12.
  • an opposed distal end 26 of the branch pipe 10 is fitted with a cap 28 that has a vacuum 29 operative to create a vacuum 108 within the branch pipe 10.
  • a vacuum 29 is turned on, negative pressure is created within the cavity 36 of the branch pipe 10.
  • the negative pressure pushes the distal end 22 of the branch pipe 10 into the exterior surface 24 of the main pipe 12.
  • the branch pipe 10 is allowed to settle on the main pipe 12 so that the angle 14 may be different as intended if necessary. The settling insures that the pressure about the periphery of the distal end 22 on the exterior surface 24 of the main pipe 12 is consistent about the entire periphery of the distal end 22.
  • the distal end 22 of the branch pipe 10 may be preformed or ground down to mate with the mating portion of the exterior surface 24 of the main pipe 12 are heated to their softening temperatures.
  • These softening temperatures of the pipes 10, 12 vary depending on the material from which the pipes 10, 12 are fabricated.
  • common pipes 10, 12 are fabricated from high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or polypropelene.
  • pipes 10, 12 are fabricated from HDPE material.
  • the softening temperature for pipes 10, 12 which are fabricated from HDPE material is about 440 degrees Fahrenheit to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • the distal end 22 of the branch pipe 10 may be preformed or ground down to mate with the exterior surface of the main pipe 12. If the distal end 22 of the branch pipe 10 is preformed, then the distal end 22 of the branch pipe 10 may be formed with a lip that protrudes outward. The lip may protrude outward a small distance so that the pressure between the lip and the exterior surface of the main pipe is equal about the periphery of the distal end of the branch pipe.
  • the distal end 22 of the branch pipe 10 is ground down to the shape of the exterior surface of the main pipe, then it is only the thickness of the branch pipe 10 that is fused to the exterior surface of the main pipe.
  • no special pipes are needed to make the connection. Standard straight pipes are used and modified on site.
  • the exterior surface 24 of the main pipe 12 is melted 100. Moreover, the distal end 22 otherwise known as the saddle end of the branch pipe 10 is melted 102.
  • the distal end 22 of the branch pipe 10 and the exterior surface 24 of the main pipe 12 are melted with a plate 30.
  • the plate 30 has a first side 32 having a convex configuration.
  • the plate 30 also has a second side 34 having a concave configuration. The concavity of the second side 34 of the plate 30 approximates a curvature of the pipe 12 so that upon contact of the second side 34 of the plate 30, the heat emanating from the second side 34 of the plate 30 can melt 100 the exterior surface 24 of the main pipe 12.
  • the convex configuration of the first side 32 mirrors the concavity of the second side 34 so that the first side 32 can melt 102 the distal end 22 of the branch pipe 10.
  • the end portion of the branch pipe 10 may be cut or formed so that the shape of the distal end 22 closely approximates the shape of the exterior surface 24 of the main pipe 12 to which the branch pipe 10 connects.
  • the vacuum line is removed and the branch pipe is attached to the heater/plate 30.
  • a vacuum created in a cavity of the branch pipe is communicated between the plate and the main pipe through the fitting on the plate.
  • the negative pressure within the internal cavity of the branch pipe 10 and the cavity 36 between the plate 30 and the main pipe 12 continues to push the second side 34 of the plate 30 against exterior surface 24 of the main pipe 12 as well as pushes the distal end 22 of the branch pipe 10 against the first side 32 of the plate 30.
  • the heat from the plate 30 is communicated to the exterior surface 24 of the main pipe 12 and the distal end 22 of the branch pipe 10.
  • the cap 28, as discussed above, may be in fluid communication with vacuum 29 so that the vacuum 29 can create a negative pressure within the internal cavity of the branch pipe 10.
  • the cap 28 is shown as being disposed over an opposed distal end portion 38 to form an airtight seal therewith.
  • the cap 28 may have a butterfly valve 40 and a bleed valve 42.
  • the butterfly valve 40 has an on position and an off position. In the off position, when the vacuum 29 is activated, no negative pressure is created within the internal cavity of the branch pipe 10. Also, there is no fluid communication between the vacuum 29 and the internal cavity of the branch pipe 10. In the on position, as shown in Figure 3 , the vacuum 29, when the vacuum 29 is activated, negative pressure is created within the internal cavity of the branch pipe 10.
  • the butterfly valve 40 is traversed to the on position after holding the branch pipe 10 against the plate 30 and the plate 30 against the main pipe 12 in order to melt 102 the distal end 22 of the branch pipe 10 and the exterior surface 24 of the main pipe 12.
  • the butterfly valve 40 may be traversed to the off position to allow the heat to soak through the material.
  • the butterfly valve 40 is also traversed to the on position when the plate 30 is removed from between the branch pipe 10, and the main pipe 12 and the distal end 22 of the branch pipe 10 is placed in contact with and pushed against exterior surface 24 of the main pipe 12.
  • the bleed valve 42 remains closed when the vacuum 29 is activated and the butterfly valve 40 is traversed to the on position.
  • the bleed valve 42 is opened in order to equalize the pressure in the internal cavity of the branch pipe 10 and the atmosphere.
  • the plate 30 can be removed from between the branch pipe 10 and the main pipe 12. More particularly, after the plate 30 has sufficiently melted 102 the distal end 22 of the branch pipe 10 and the exterior surface 24 of the main pipe 12, the vacuum 29 may be deactivated and/or the butterfly valve 40 may be traversed to the closed position.
  • the bleed valve 42 may be opened so that air is introduced into the internal cavity of the branch pipe 10 to equalize the pressure within the internal cavity of the branch pipe 10 to the atmosphere.
  • the vacuum 29 and the cap 28 may be in fluid communication with each other by flex line 44.
  • the flex line 44 does not collapse in the presence of negative pressure.
  • the cap 28 is shown as being attached over the opposed distal end portion 38 of the branch pipe 10.
  • the cap 28 may be a flange that mates with the opposed distal end of the opposed distal end portion 38 of the branch pipe 10 and a protrusion that is sized and configured to an inner periphery of the branch pipe 10.
  • the cap 28 regardless of whether the cap 28 is placed over the opposed distal end portion 38 of the branch pipe 10 or placed within may be fabricated from a generally flexible material and be somewhat conformable so that the cap 28 may conform to the opposed distal end portion 38 of the branch pipe 10 to form a fluid tight seal between the cap 28 and the branch pipe 10.
  • the plate 30 defines the first side 32 and the second side 34.
  • the first and second sides 32, 34 of the plate 30 preferably match the configuration of the exterior surface 24 of the main pipe 12.
  • the apparatus and method described herein relates to the joining of a distal end 22 of the branch pipe 10 to a round or circular main pipe 12
  • the apparatus and method described herein may be used to join a branch pipe 10 to a main pipe 12 having other configurations such as oval, rectangular, square, etc.
  • the apparatus and method described herein is beneficial in joining the branch pipe 10 to the main pipe 12 at a skewed angle 14 since it is difficult to push the branch pipe 10 into the main pipe 12 by hand when the angle is skewed.
  • the vacuum 29 creates negative pressure to hold the branch pipe 10, plate 30 and the main pipe 12 together during melting as well as the branch pipe 10 and the main pipe 12 together during joining. It is also contemplated that the branch pipe 10 may also be attached to the main pipe 12 at a right angle.
  • the second surface 34 of the plate 30 is concave.
  • the concavity of the second surface 34 is supposed to match the roundness of the second pipe 12.
  • the pipe 12 may sometimes not be truly round thereby causing an imperfect match between the second side 34 of the plate 30 and the exterior surface 24 of the second pipe 12.
  • the outer boundaries have a greater gap 54 compared to the inner boundaries as referenced by gap 56, or vice versa. Due to the variance, it may take a significantly longer period of time in order to establish a seal between the second side 34 of the plate 30 and the exterior surface 24 of the second pipe 12. Accordingly, the second side 34 may be retrofitted with a cup 59 having a small diameter 58.
  • the small diameter cup 59 due to its smaller diameter or size more quickly forms the seal with the exterior surface 24 of the second pipe 12.
  • the cup 59 may be heated and capable of penetrating the exterior surface 24 of the second pipe 12 faster.
  • the user may initially push the cup 59 into the exterior surface 24 of the second pipe 12 for a short period of time before a seal between the cup 59 and exterior surface 24 is formed.
  • negative pressure is communicated through the through hole 44 into the cavity 36 to continue pushing the second side 34 of the plate 30 toward the exterior surface 24 of the second pipe 12.
  • the through hole 44 may be fitted with a fitting that can receive a vacuum line.
  • the seal with the main pipe can be established through other means other than a cup in the plate.
  • a gasket may be disposed between the plate and the exterior surface of the main pipe or a cup may be formed in the exterior surface of the main pipe.
  • a drillbit 48 may be inserted into the cavity of the first pipe 10.
  • the drillbit 48 is rotated with the drill 50 and used to generate a hole through the exterior surface 24 of the second pipe 12.
  • the hole 52 provides fluid communication between the first and second pipes 10, 12.
  • the outer diameter of the drillbit 48 closely approximates the inner diameter of the first pipe 10.
  • the apparatus and method may be used to join a distal end 22 of a first pipe 10 to a distal end 19 of a second pipe.
  • the first and second sides 32, 34 of the plate 30 may be flat.
  • the opposed distal end 22 of the second pipe may be sealed off to provide for a liquid tight environment within the cavity of the second pipe 12.
  • the plate 30 has a through hole 44 which communicates the negative pressure from one side of the plate 30 to the other side of the plate 30.
  • the negative pressure created within the cavity of the branch pipe 10 is communicated to the cavity 36 (see Figure 8 ) on the second side of the plate 30.
  • the negative pressure created within the first pipe is created within the internal cavity of the second pipe via the through hole 44.
  • the plate 30 may also be attached to a handle 46 to aid in removing the plate 30 from between the branch pipe 10 and the main pipe 12.
  • the handle 46 is insulated so that the user can grip the handle 46 with a light glove or a bare hand.
  • the apparatus may include a sleeve 60 that is sized and configured to wrap around both the internal surface 62 and the exterior surface 24 of the pipe 10, 12.
  • the sleeve 60 may be connected to a cooling unit 64 which actively cools down the sleeve 60. Cold water may flow through the sleeve 60.
  • the sleeve may be a thermoelectric cooler.
  • the plate 30 heats up the distal end 68 of the pipes 10, 12 in order to raise its temperature above the softening temperature of the pipes 10, 12, the heat penetrates the distal end 68 of the pipes 10, 12 a distance 70 that is less than the distal end portion 66. As such, a smaller portion 70 is raised to the softening temperature of the material of the pipes 10, 12.
  • the sleeve 60 cools down the entire distal end portion 66 of the pipes 10, 12.
  • the plate 30 raises the temperature of the distal ends 68 of the pipes 10, 12 above the softening temperature of the material of the pipes 10, 12. In other words, the portions 70 of the pipes 10, 12 are raised to the softening temperature.
  • the portions 70 of the pipes 10, 12 are raised to the softening temperature while the remaining portion 72 remains at a temperature lower than the softening temperature.
  • the heat from the portions 70 is drawn into the remaining portion 72 to accelerate cool down of the smaller portions 70 of the pipes 10, 12.
  • the various aspects and method steps described in relation to the vacuum 29 and the cap 28 may be used in joining the distal ends 68 of the first and second pipes 10, 12.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • Lining Or Joining Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)

Claims (12)

  1. Ein Verfahren zum Herstellen einer flüssigkeitsdichten Abdichtung zwischen einem distalen Ende (22) eines ersten Rohrs (10) und einem zweiten Rohr (12), wobei das Verfahren die folgenden Schritte aufweist:
    Erwärmen des distalen Endes (22) des ersten Rohrs (10) und des zweiten Rohrs (12) mit einer Heizvorrichtung, bis das distale Ende (22) des ersten Rohrs (10) und das zweite Rohr (12) eine Erweichungstemperatur erreicht haben;
    Inkontaktbringen des distalen Endes (22) des ersten Rohrs mit einer Außenfläche (24) des zweiten Rohrs (12);
    gekennzeichnet dadurch, dass nach dem Inkontaktbringen ein Unterdruck (108) in einem inneren Hohlraum des ersten Rohrs (10) erzeugt wird, so dass das distale Ende (22) des ersten Rohrs (10) in die Außenfläche (24) des zweiten Rohrs (12) gedrückt wird;
    Ausüben eines gleichmäßigen Drucks um den Umfang des distalen Endes (22) des ersten Rohrs auf das zweite Rohr (12),
    nachdem das distale Ende (22) des ersten Rohrs (1) an der Außenfläche (24) des zweiten Rohrs (12) befestigt ist, Bohren eines Lochs (52) durch die Außenfläche (24) des zweiten Rohrs (12) durch Einführen eines Bohrers (48) in das erste Rohr und Drehen des Bohrers, um eine Fluidverbindung zwischen dem ersten und dem zweiten Rohr (10, 12) herzustellen.
  2. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, das ferner die Schritte aufweist: anfängliches Erwärmen des zweiten Rohrs, ohne dass das erste Rohr an der Heizvorrichtung befestigt ist.
  3. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei der Erwärmungsschritt durchgeführt wird, bis mindestens 12,7 mm (1/2 Zoll) des distalen Endes (22) des ersten Rohrs die Erweichungstemperatur erreicht haben.
  4. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei der Erwärmungsschritt mit einer Platte (30) durchgeführt wird, die eine erste und eine zweite Seite aufweist, die so dimensioniert und konfiguriert sind, dass sie mit dem distalen Ende (22) des ersten Rohrs (10) und der Außenfläche (24) des zweiten Rohrs (12) zusammenpassen.
  5. Verfahren nach Anspruch 4, wobei die erste Seite (32) eine konvexe Konfiguration aufweist und die zweite Seite (34) eine konkave Konfiguration aufweist.
  6. Verfahren nach Anspruch 5, das ferner den Schritt des Erzeugens eines Vakuums mit einer Kante einer Schale (59) an der Außenfläche (24) des zweiten Rohrs aufweist.
  7. Verfahren nach Anspruch 4, wobei die erste Seite flach ist und die zweite Seite flach ist.
  8. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1 oder Anspruch 2, wobei der Schritt des Erzeugens des Unterdrucks den Schritt des Verschließens eines gegenüberliegenden distalen Endes des ersten Rohrs mit einer Kappe aufweist, die in Fluidverbindung mit einer Vakuumvorrichtung zum Erzeugen des Unterdrucks steht.
  9. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei der Schritt des Anbringens die Schritte aufweist, dass eine Winkelbeziehung zwischen dem ersten Rohr und dem zweiten Rohr sich ändern kann, wenn ein Unterdruck auf den inneren Hohlraum des ersten Rohrs ausgeübt wird und das distale Ende des ersten Rohrs in das zweite Rohr gedrückt wird.
  10. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, das ferner den Schritt des Erzeugens des Unterdrucks in dem inneren Hohlraum des ersten Rohrs während des Erwärmungsschritts aufweist, so dass der in dem inneren Hohlraum des ersten Rohrs erzeugte Unterdruck ausreicht, um die erste Seite einer Platte der Heizvorrichtung an dem distalen Ende des ersten Rohrs zu halten.
  11. Verfahren nach Anspruch 10, wobei die Platte (30) der Heizvorrichtung ein Durchgangsloch (44) aufweist, so dass der in dem inneren Hohlraum des ersten Rohrs erzeugte Unterdruck zwischen der Platte und dem zweiten Rohr ausgeübt wird, um die Platte an dem zweiten Rohr zu halten.
  12. Verfahren nach Anspruch 4, wobei der Erwärmungsschritt des zweiten Rohrs (12) den Schritt des Inkontaktbringens der Außenfläche (24) des zweiten Rohrs (12) mit einer Kante einer Schale aufweist (59), die an einer zweiten Seite der Heizvorrichtung (30) angeordnet ist, und wobei die Kante der Schale so dimensioniert und konfiguriert ist, dass die Außenfläche (24) des zweiten Rohrs (12) mit der Kante der Schale (59) in Kontakt gebracht wird, bevor die zweite Seite der Heizvorrichtung, um eine Abdichtung zu bilden, um ein Vakuum zwischen der zweiten Seite der Heizvorrichtung und der Außenfläche des zweiten Rohrs zu erzeugen.
EP16762354.5A 2015-03-11 2016-03-08 Verfahren zum verbinden von rohren und vorrichtung zur erleichterung desselben Active EP3268652B1 (de)

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CN112178334A (zh) * 2019-12-18 2021-01-05 新疆水利水电勘测设计研究院 用于贴边钢岔管的等宽整体补强板的一次成型方法
USD953458S1 (en) * 2020-03-10 2022-05-31 P&P Imports LLC Ball game
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USD1021889S1 (en) * 2022-01-13 2024-04-09 Ningbo Tuotuo River Design Company Microphone holder
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US20160265704A1 (en) 2016-09-15
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US10612710B2 (en) 2020-04-07
US20200191312A1 (en) 2020-06-18
US20240318760A1 (en) 2024-09-26
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WO2016144974A1 (en) 2016-09-15
ES3049231T3 (en) 2025-12-15
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US20220260192A1 (en) 2022-08-18
CA2979204C (en) 2022-02-01
US20170363243A1 (en) 2017-12-21
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US12523329B2 (en) 2026-01-13
AU2016229845A1 (en) 2017-09-28
US11339906B2 (en) 2022-05-24
US11719372B2 (en) 2023-08-08
US20240318761A1 (en) 2024-09-26
EP3268652A1 (de) 2018-01-17
US12031657B2 (en) 2024-07-09

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